SIALKOT: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, while addressing the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Sialkot on Saturday, announced plans for building a Sialkot-Lahore expressway.

"Progress has always been made in democratic times. In dictatorships, the country was pushed backward," the premier said, in reference to former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf.

The premier also held a question and answer session with traders and businessmen present at the conference and addressed their concerns. He added that the whole country will benefit from investments in Sialkot.

PM Nawaz said he aims to eliminate power shortages in Pakistan. He added that in 1999, electricity was available in abundance.

"We are purchasing 4,000 megawatts of electricity from China, and creating 7,000 megawatts from ongoing projects," the premier said. He also said that planning for a reduction in electricity price is also under way.

While talking about the operation in Karachi, the premier explained that the operation is not against any organisations.

"The Karachi operation is against criminals only," PM Nawaz explained.

He further said that the government will only rest after gun-culture is eliminated from the country, adding that it is the government's responsibility to make Karachi and the rest of the country peaceful.

PM Nawaz shed a light on the improvement in Karachi's law and order situation, saying that incidents of heinous crimes like target killings and kidnappings have been curbed significantly. He added that reviving peace in Karachi will lead to a promotion of business activities in Pakistan.

PM Nawaz was received at the Sialkot airport by members of the national and provincial assemblies, said a report published on Radio Pakistan. He was accompanied by Minister of Defence, Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif.

The premier is also scheduled to meet businessmen and elected representatives during his visit.